CDOT DESIGN STUDIO
With more than two decades in the industry, Carrie Hupp, founder of CDOT Design Studio, has built a studio based on collaboration, trust, and the belief that every project deserves its own identity. We caught up with Carrie to talk about entrepreneurship, design philosophy, and the lessons that continue to shape her work.
Photography: Winona Grey
“I bring an “all in attitude” to my business, and I look for the same outlook from my associates and trade partners. It’s important for me to make sure my staff feel a shared sense of ownership.”
How did your career path lead you to entrepreneurship—and how did your earlier roles shape how you created your business?
As a second-year student in design school, I landed my first internship and stayed with that firm for 10 years, ultimately becoming senior designer. There, I learned everything about design, procurement, project management, client relations, staff hiring/ training, establishing in-house standards and templates, and everything else that goes along with an interior design business. I loved it and treated it as if it were my own.
Next, I took a stab on the other side of the industry and worked as a rep for a commercial flooring dealership, and managed business development for a commercial furniture manufacturer. The lessons I learned at both places were invaluable.
When it comes to entrepreneurship, both of my parents owned their own businesses my entire life, and they taught me about the dedication required to run a successful business. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of how hard they worked and how they involved us from a young age. Those experiences shaped how I run my studio today. I bring an “all in attitude” to my business, and I look for the same outlook from my associates and trade partners. It’s important for me to make sure my staff feel a shared sense of ownership. I love involving my kids in the business, much like my parents did with me.
What makes CDOT fundamentally different from other design firms?
This is an easy one: We are a firm that never does the same thing! As trained designers, we believe a good designer should be able to make any style look spectacular. Every client, every site and every space is different, and the design should reflect all of those things. We do not rinse and repeat. Every project has its own identity. Of course, our work has a vibe that shines through, regardless of style.
How do you approach your projects?
We lead each project with a “collaborative” team approach. Designing a home is a very personal experience, and if you don’t have a good vibe between the General Contractor, client, architect, and designer, it’s never going to work. We always express that during the interview process. There are intimate and hard conversations that happen over the course of a build, so it’s critical to have the right players involved to create a cohesive team for a successful project. Our repeat clients have learned that it’s okay to let go of the reins and trust us. They know that regardless of the budget or constraints, there is a path, and we do our best work when they trust in our ability and the process.
What does “good design” mean to you?
Good design is creating a space that feels effortless - one that makes the end user comfortable while quietly reflecting who they are. It tells a visual story through balance, intention, and detail, without ever feeling forced.
As the studio has grown, how has your role as a designer and founder evolved?
I’ve transitioned over the years from having my hands in every detail to now focusing on leading design direction, client interface, and business development. Our Senior Designer, Chelsea Duran, has taken on a leadership role in design development and production and does an amazing job.
“Our repeat clients have learned that it’s okay to let go of the reins and trust us. They know that regardless of the budget or constraints, there is a path, and we do our best work when they trust in our ability and the process.”
How do you decide when to say “yes” to a project—and when to say no?
Most of our projects are repeat clients and/or referrals, so in most cases it’s already a great fit. We have been extremely fortunate over the years to hone our clientele organically. That said, we always welcome new projects into the fold, meeting new friends who become a part of the next generation of clients.
How would you describe CDOT’s design philosophy in one sentence?
Our style is your style at its absolute best.
High tech or high touch?
Technology is a wonderful tool, but it’s never going to do the work for us. As much as we explore and reference AI and design programs, we still pull out the buff roll and red sharpie to work through space planning and conceptual design processes. We still have charrettes and work through finish schemes as a team. Our process is a hands-on creative evolution.
What part of running the business do you enjoy most today?
The creative journey on the front end is always satisfying, but getting to know the clients on a personal level and working on site with our trades is one of my favorite parts of the business. This probably stems from my experience being on site with my dad while he was framing houses when I was a kid.
What excites you most about where CDOT is headed next—or about the future of design in this region?
We are currently developing a new venture so stay tuned for more on that in the coming months!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As a side note, fast fashion in the design industry has really been on our minds over the last few years. As a firm, we are never trying to push clients to restyle their home every season with loads of new purchases. If we do our job right the first time and the client commits to a full-service scope including furniture and styling, the design should hold its own for quite some time with the original investment. Don’t get me wrong, we love a refresh and we love to change up the energy in a space, but you should not have to purchase massive amounts of decor from every seasonal drop. Quality heirloom pieces purchased and collected over time will outlast next month’s trends every time.
CDOTS.COM
Written in collaboration with Elaina Verhoff